The Bluesound Node 2 is ideal for adding digital streaming functions to a classic hi-fi setup.Bluesound

While the latest audio may have all the hi-tech bells and whistles, an older vintage audio kit can often possess superb characteristics and yet be short of newer features like onboard DACs and wireless networking capabilities.

Take my own audio system, for example. I was fortunate enough to inherit a superb Linn Wakonda and LK140 power amp alongside a Genki CD player and a Pekin FM/AM tuner. When connected to my Mordaunt-Short MS50s, the whole system sounds absolutely superb but I am limited to listening to CDs and FM broadcasts. Streaming music or playing tracks from my Mac or iPhone isn't possible without investing in some newer kit. Now bearing in mind I don’t want to ditch my lovely vintage sound, how can I get into the digital age?

After much research, I think I’ve found a solution for those of us who want to hang on to a classic audio system and yet still enjoy the latest ways to access music. The Bluesound Node 2 is an add-on device that is about the size of a very fat iPad Mini with an inset touch-sensitive cluster of controls that can join your home network and be controlled via an iOS or Android app.

Included in the app that controls the Node 2 is access to a whole range of streaming services including Spotify, Amazon, Deezer and Tidal as well as many others. Additionally, the app will stream the music stored on your phone, on your local network or directly from an attached USB hard disc or a solid state drive. Finally, there’s a Bluetooth function that lets you stream music from any app as long as you’re within 10 meters of the Node 2. The two options that aren’t yet available on the Bluesound Node 2 are AirPlay and Chromecast. There’s no word on when or if Chromecast will be available but Bluesound has signed up with Apple to be an AirPlay 2 partner and I’m assured that AirPlay compatibility will be available via a firmware update in the near future. Obviously, the Node 2 will play virtually any digital format and can even handle hi-res formats like MQA, FLAC, WAV and AIFF.

The Bluesound Node 2 is about the size of an iPad mini and as thick as a small hardback book.Bluesound

Setting up the Node 2 is really simple. Firstly I used a decent pair QED RCA Phono interconnects to attach the Node 2 to the auxiliary input of my Linn preamp. I then downloaded the Bluesound app and enabled my phone’s Bluetooth setting and connected up to the Node 2. From there I chose my wireless network and simply tapped in my WiFi password and was connected immediately. I only needed to do the setup once and then every time I turned the Node 2 on it automatically connected to my home network. It’s child’s play and very stable.

At the rear of the Node 2, there are lots of connections that mean you can connect just about any audio device you like. Starting at the rear on the left there’s a pair of RCA Phono stereo outputs that provide the main connection to your amplifier. Next, there’s a Subwoofer output for linking up to an active sub for extra bass. Alongside that, there’s a coaxial digital output for connecting to an alternative DAC that can give you the option of bypassing the Node 2’s built-in DAC. Next, to the coaxial output, there’s a full-sized Toslink optical output that gives you the option of linking to another DAC, an amplifier with a digital input or even a TV soundbar.

Next we come to the input section; first up is a 3.5mm analog input that also doubles as a mini TOSLink optical port which you can use to hook up something like an older CD player or a digital radio tuner. The advantage of having an optical input is that you can use an old CD player’s transport mechanism while taking advantage of the much newer DAC inside the Bluesound Node 2.

Alongside the 3.5mm/optical port, there’s a 3.5mm trigger output that provides a 12v signal for use with compatible devices that use a trigger port. Next to that is an infrared extension input for use with an external IR remote control sensor. You might want to use that if you’ve tucked the Node 2 away in a cupboard somewhere but still want to use the Node 2’s remote control function. The Node 2 can learn remote control commands so that you can use your favorite remote to control your music.

There’s also an Ethernet port at the rear should you wish to use a wired network instead of a wireless one. Beneath that is a USB port that can be used to hook up a hard disc or a USB thumb drive with your library music on it. As far as inputs and outputs go there’s virtually everything you could possibly need as well as the possibility to future proof the whole setup by employing external DACs.

There are plenty of input and output options at the rear of the Bluesound Node 2.Bluesound

At the front of the Node 2, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack, which means you can plug in a pair of headphones and listen to your music without having to fire up your full audio system. It’s ideal for late night listening and the quality of the headphone output stage is superb and will drive even the most demanding pair of headphones. On top, the Node 2 is a cluster of touch-sensitive and backlit controls that provide volume, skip, repeat, pause and play functions.

Once I’d connected the Bluesound Node 2 to my home network the unit immediately checked online for the latest firmware and installed that for me. It was totally painless and took just a few minutes. Within no time I was exploring the possibilities of this amazing little device. Using the Bluesound app I was able to add my streaming services as well as access the music stored on my iPhone. It’s all quite seamless and there are plenty of options to customise everything to your taste. I opted to hook up my old Arcam CD player via the mini Toslink input and was surprised at how much difference the onboard DAC made to the sound of my trusty CD player.

Inside the Bluesound Node 2, there’s a Burr Brown DAC (although it’s known as Texas Instruments these days) and, as you might expect from such heritage, the sound is gorgeously warm and rounded but with a really wide and open soundstage that lets the music breathe. The sound from the Node 2 is one of the loveliest I’ve heard in quite a while and compares very favorably with the Rotel CD-1572 that I reviewed recently. Digital music really can sound warm and open if you use the right DAC.

The Bluesound phone app is very good and apart from the occasional lag in updating the album artwork, a fault that I find on many streaming apps, it’s a very stable piece of software and a pleasure to use. My one reservation is that you can’t link up to the BBC iPlayer radio app so if you want to stream programmes on catch up, you do need to switch over to Bluetooth. The quality of the Bluetooth is very good and includes the apt-X codec, but I would still prefer a direct stream over WiFi at a higher quality using the Bluesound app or via AirPlay. I’m really hoping that Bluesound gets that AirPlay update as it would be the icing on the cake. And if the Node 2 also gets Chromecast function at some point, that would be the cherry on the icing.

Verdict: Of all the streaming devices I’ve tried so far, the Bluesound Node 2 pleases my ears the best. The Node 2 is beautifully designed, extremely well built and versatile. It’s available in white or black finishes and looks every bit as good as it sounds. It’s also extendable and will work with other Bluesound products to create a multiroom audio system. As an alternative to a full-size streaming component, it’s ideal and works well with the Bluesound app. The quality of the audio is superb and sounded very good with my classic Linn set-up. This is one device that’s going on my audio wishlist. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade an older audio system that you’re really attached to, the Bluesound Node 2 is an ideal solution.

I've been a print and online journalist covering technology and industry for around 35 years. In that time I've written for both Mac and PC titles as well as spending many years writing about audio, digital imaging and camera technology. I enjoy all aspects of technology, e...